Actually it depends on routing I have been on 895 ORD-HKG when we had to make a fuel stop in Taiwan. I have been on this flight when it has had to make a stop in PEK as well. In many cases large aircraft take on fuel with passengers on board, in very difference practice to the general aviation aircraft that I fly, where you are not on board while fueling.

With respect to the range issue there is no safety issue! It is a tradeoff of more passengers and freight or having to make a fuel stop. I am sure UA has some good computer models which tell them for what circumstances leaving behind freight or passengers is more profitable than taking an extra 2 hours for a fuel stop.

That said I wish the 744 would come back, I much prefer the upper deck.